Adidas and Billionaire Boys Club Celebrate the Hues of Humanity

You wouldn't expect anything other than happy from Pharrel Williams, the ageless singer who, in 2013, earwormed his way into everybody's hearts with this little song called, uh, “Happy.”

The third collaboration of William's streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club and Adidas Originals results in two bright, can't-miss sneakers in Pharrel Hu styles. Done in the Hu NMD and the Tennis Hu, the two sneakers reference the bold stripes of old-school collegiate uniforms.

Williams designed his Hu sneakers as a celebration of the hues of human beings (hence the name) as well as a representation of the dream of a united humanity. The sport-style sneakers still come with Primeknit upper and shoelace cage, but this time have splashes of bright yellow, red, and dark blue.

Between the two, the Tennis Hu is more striaightfoward with a graphic swipe of red and blue against white.

Adidas Originals and Billionaire Boys Club turn to the bright stripes of vintage collegiate wear for this season's sneakers.

The Hu NMD is bolder (or happier?). The “Human” and “Being” printed on each foot of earlier Hu NMDs are replaced by “Mind” and “Heart” in the latest version. Read it as a call for synergy or a reminder to weigh life with use of all faculties. Although, in reality, the “t” in “heart” appears to be obscured by the laces, so you get another message: to not be stupid.

The Hu NMD celebrates the hues of humanity with color, heart, and mind.

And if you want to apply another layer of meaning onto these shoes, note the colorway: red, blue, and yellow. Does that remind you of something?

In the 15 years since The Wire, Elba has starred in blockbusters and art house films, won a Golden Globe, released two albums, founded a production house, received an OBE, launched a clothing label and made his directing debut. He's only just getting started.